A key aspect of schools today is a focus on supporting the overall development of every single student. This includes personal and social development in addition to academic development and can provide a wider range of opportunities than ever before.
At BIS Abu Dhabi, there are specific structures set up: our Service programme, the House system, various school trips, CCAs and Moral Education just to name a few. All these areas combine to help students benefit from a range of new experiences and also understand the role they can play in working with others and in making a difference to our local and global community.
I wanted to mention Service particularly in this article and specifically touch on the inspiring story of Greta Thunberg.
Just over a year ago, Greta wanted to do something to raise the issue of climate change and to influence others to work together to look after our planet. Originally it was just Greta who sat outside the Swedish parliament with a sign, yet in the last few weeks we have seen millions of people of all ages who are joining in to help raise awareness of this global issue.
Greta Thunberg is an exceptional case, but it does underline something that is very relevant for BIS Abu Dhabi students today. We believe that all our students can grow up to be positive members of society, and furthermore, we believe that making a difference to others does not have to wait until you are an adult. We create opportunities for all students to get involved with Service in one form or another - we know that this not only helps other people, it also makes a truly positive difference to each individual student too.
Patrick Horne, Principal
Celebrating Our Shared Success: A Year of Partnership and Recognition
As we approach the end of a vibrant academic year filled with events, achievements, and memorable moments, I am delighted to share some fantastic news with you all. Our school has been honoured with not one, but two prestigious awards in recognition of our commitment to parent engagement: the MENA Parent Partnership Award and the ADEK Best Parent Engagement Award.
Read on to discover how these awards celebrate our collaborative culture, highlight parent-school partnerships, and support meaningful improvements for our students.
It’s something I’ve believed for a long time — that learning isn’t predetermined by our genes. It’s about growing, persevering, and learning through the process. I was really mindful of this idea at this week’s wonderful Primary Summer Concert, after which I found myself reflecting on whether these amazing children have an innate talent, or whether they have achieved so much because of hard work and practice.
I believe it’s the latter. These children, their parents, and their teachers all seem to share the belief that by trying and working hard, they will get better at what they do. This is what we call a growth mindset.
This week at BIS Abu Dhabi, we have had the joy of celebrating both ends of the school journey and it has been a beautiful reminder of how we support our students to dream big and grow into their future selves.
As exam season unfolds, there's a special kind of stillness that settles over the school. In the quiet hum of the examination hall, behind the rustle of papers and the soft clicking of keyboards, is a profound truth: we are witnessing a moment that our students will carry with them forever. It is the culmination of years of learning, growth, and perseverance, a chapter closing and a new one ready to be written.
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